”I think the future of the Carney is good,” said Davis, who was previously based in North Carolina. “We’re very much still in the process of getting back to core values.”

On Nov. 21, the Globe reported that Steward Health Care System alerted the employees' union of its intention to cut 15 union jobs at Norwood Hospital, 12 at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, and seven or eight at Morton Hospital in Taunton.

Highlighting community and “cultural competency,” Davis said he hopes to bring the hospital back to serving all residents in Dorchester and Mattapan.

“As I look at the Carney and its rich tradition one of the things we want to continue to do is reach out to our community,” Davis told members of the Mattapan organization.

The Carney Hospital, which is located on Dorchester Avenue and was first opened in South Boston in 1863, has faced a number of financial and internal struggles in the past few years, according to the Boston Globe.

From the abrupt departure of its previous president, Bill Walczak, to threats of closing the hospital, the institution has been on shaky ground, but Davis said recent and future investments by the hospital show that administrators are committed to providing quality health care.

Davis, in his appearance, highlighted the $10 million renovation of the hospital’s operating rooms and the upcoming multi-million dollar renovations slated for the hospital’s emergency rooms and cafeteria, as steps in the right direction.

"Since we’re a for-profit we’re not going to let finances get in the way of patient care,” said Davis.

Some praised the 186-bed Carney for what they say has been excellent service in the past.

“It [the Carney Hospital] has some good things,” said Livio Poles, the president of the neighborhood organization. “But some people really don’t want to go to the Carney. How do you turn that around?”

Davis was quick to say that not only is he committed to the continued success of the hospital, but so is Steward.

“The impression of the Carney wasn’t good,” said Davis. “You’re not going to repair that in two-days, you repair it by sitting down and talking with people.”

Others however still were hesitant about the hospital.

“I’m glad to hear about all the changes,” said Marsha Neville, a member of the neighborhood organization. “We did not like the way we were treated both times we were there. I haven’t been back since.”

---Email Patrick D. Rosso, patrick.d.rosso@gmail.com. Follow him @PDRosso, or friend him on Facebook.